Director Heart Transplant - Clinical Operations

Description

Job Summary

The Director of Heart Transplant Clinical Operations provides strategic, operational, financial, and regulatory leadership for the Heart Failure, Ventricular Assist Device (VAD), and Heart Transplant Programs. Responsible for establishing, leading, and sustaining the operational infrastructure necessary to support a comprehensive pediatric heart failure and transplant center. Serving as the primary operational partner to the Medical Director of Heart Failure and Transplantation, the Director ensures program readiness, regulatory compliance, quality outcomes, financial stewardship, and multidisciplinary care coordination across the continuum of care. Leads all operational aspects of transplant and VAD services, including program development, accreditation readiness, UNOS compliance, quality improvement, resource management, contracting, and strategic growth initiatives. Works collaboratively with physicians, nursing leadership, transplant coordinators, advanced practice providers, finance, quality, information technology, research, and external partners to develop and maintain a nationally recognized pediatric heart transplant and mechanical circulatory support program.

Job Specific Duties

• Strategic Leadership & Program Development:
• Provides strategic leadership for the development, implementation, and growth of the Heart Failure, VAD, and Heart Transplant Programs.
• Serves as the primary operational counterpart to the Medical Director of Heart Failure and Transplantation.
• Develops and executes short- and long-term strategic plans aligned with Heart Institute and organizational goals.
• Establishes operational infrastructure, governance structures, clinical workflows, and performance management systems necessary for program success.
• Leads implementation of Epic Phoenix transplant modules and associated clinical technology solutions.
• Oversees transplant-specific data systems, dashboard development, and performance reporting.
• Collaborates with clinical and administrative leadership to establish new services and expand program capabilities.
• Supports business planning, market development, and growth strategies to increase regional and national referral volume.
  Clinical Operations & Quality Management:
• Directs daily operational activities supporting transplant and VAD patient care across inpatient, outpatient, and community settings.
• Oversees development and implementation of patient care pathways, clinical workflows, and multidisciplinary care coordination processes.
• Leads the Transplant Quality Assessment and Performance Improvement (QAPI) Program.
• Develops and monitors key performance indicators related to quality, safety, patient outcomes, access, throughput, and patient experience.
• Oversees maintenance of clinical databases and data repositories supporting quality improvement, regulatory reporting, and research activities.
• Collaborates with clinical leaders to implement evidence-based practices and improve program performance.
• Supports transplant-related clinical research initiatives and registry participation.
  Regulatory Compliance & Accreditation:
• Maintains operational oversight of all regulatory and accreditation requirements associated with transplant and VAD services.
• Ensures compliance with:
  • United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS)
  • Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network (OPTN)
  • Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS)
  • The Joint Commission
  • Florida Agency for Health Care Administration (AHCA)
  • Other applicable federal, state, and accrediting agencies
• Leads preparation for site visits, audits, inspections, and accreditation reviews.
• Develops and maintains policies, procedures, and operational standards supporting regulatory compliance.
• Conducts ongoing program audits and risk assessments to identify gaps and implement corrective action plans.
• Maintains documentation and reporting required for transplant program certification and accreditation.
• Financial & Resource Management:
• Directs operational budgeting, financial planning, and resource utilization for transplant and VAD services.
• Develops business plans, pro formas, and financial analyses supporting program growth and sustainability.
• Identifies opportunities to improve operational efficiency, resource utilization, and financial performance.
• Collaborates with finance, revenue cycle, and contracting teams to optimize reimbursement and financial outcomes.
• Oversees staffing plans and resource allocation based on patient volume, program growth, and organizational priorities.
• Leads cost-containment and operational improvement initiatives while maintaining quality and safety standards.
• Participates in capital planning and evaluation of transplant-related technologies, equipment, and infrastructure investments.
• Contracting, Partnerships & External Relations:
• Supports negotiation and management of contracts and service agreements necessary for transplant operations.
• Serves as the operational liaison with the local Organ Procurement Organization (OPO).
• Develops collaborative relationships with referring physicians, hospitals, payors, and community partners.
• Works closely with business development teams to expand referral networks and enhance market presence.
• Participates in grant development, philanthropic initiatives, and external program promotion.
• Supports outreach initiatives designed to increase awareness of transplant and advanced heart failure services.
• Team Leadership & Personnel Management:
• Provides leadership, direction, and performance management for transplant program personnel.
• Oversees operational activities of:
  • Transplant Coordinators
  • VAD Coordinators
  • Transplant Program Support Staff
  • Advanced Practice Providers (in partnership with clinical leadership)
• Promotes interdisciplinary collaboration and coordinated patient management.
• Develops staffing models that support program growth and operational excellence.
• Ensures staff competency, education, onboarding, and ongoing professional development.
• Fosters a culture of accountability, patient-centered care, continuous improvement, and teamwork.

Qualifications

Minimum Job Requirements

• Bachelor's Degree in Nursing (BSN) from an accredited school of nursing
• Master's Degree in Healthcare Administration, Business Administration, Nursing, Public Health, or related field   
• Registered Nurse Licensure within the State of Florida or Multi-State Enhanced Nursing License Compact (eNLC) – maintain active and in good standing throughout employment
• CCTC (Certified Clinical Transplant Coordinator) within 1 year of hire
• CPR - American Heart Association BLS - maintain active and in good standing throughout employment
• Minimum seven (7) years of progressive healthcare leadership experience.
• Minimum five (5) years of leadership experience in transplant services, advanced heart failure, cardiovascular services, or other highly specialized clinical programs.
• 4-7 years of experience leading multidisciplinary teams and complex program development initiatives.
• 4-7 years of experience with regulatory compliance, accreditation, quality management, and operational improvement programs.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Project Management Professional (PMP) preferred.
• Fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives (FACHE) preferred.
• Pediatric transplant experience strongly preferred.
• Knowledge of UNOS, OPTN, CMS Conditions of Participation, and transplant accreditation standards.
• Knowledge of donation issues associated with hospitals.
• Experience with Epic Phoenix transplant platform implementation.
• Experience with pediatric heart failure, VAD, ECMO, congenital heart disease, or transplant program administration.
• Demonstrated success in financial management, strategic planning, and program growth.
• Dedicated to helping donor families and transplant recipients.
• Establishes and maintains effective relationships with patients, families, and health care personnel.
• Demonstrated people leadership abilities.
• Strong problem solving, critical thinking, and conflict resolution skills.
• Excellent organizational and communication skills.
• Written, verbal and displays a professional attitude with emphasis on the team concept.
• Able to participate in 24-hour call schedule including weekdays, night, weekends, and holidays.
• Able to adjust schedule to accommodate organizational needs, including times of clinical high volume.
• Applies logical and scientific thinking to interpret technical data and solve a broad range of problems.
• Ability to use standard mathematical techniques to budget and provide productivity assessments.
• Applies principles of evidenced-based practice, analytical thinking, and service excellence in practice.
• Analyzes and interprets data and utilizes the information to make judgments regarding patient care.
• Able to travel by auto, charter, and commercial aircraft

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